Head-Down Tilt Model Data for Spaceflight-Induced Visual Changes in Rats

A NASA ground-based study using the rat hindlimb suspension model to investigate visual system changes analogous to those in astronauts. The program collected data from both male and female subjects to examine sex differences, as well as the effects of aging and hypercapnia. Results derive from Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Optical Coherence Tomography, Tonometry, and A-scan Ultrasonography assays on eye tissues.

Use Cases

• Modeling the relationship between cephalic fluid shifts and intracranial/intraocular pressure based on continuous biotelemetry and tonometry data.
• Analyzing visual system morphology changes during simulated microgravity and recovery based on MRI and ophthalmic examination intervals.
• Investigating sex differences in physiological responses to head-down tilt based on data from both male and female subjects.
• Studying the contributory effects of aging and elevated carbon dioxide on retinal structure and function.

Strengths

• Data is from a controlled, ground-based program designed to model spaceflight conditions.
• Study design includes examination of sex differences and factors like aging and hypercapnia.
• Utilizes multiple assay types (MRI, OCT, Tonometry, A-scan) for a multimodal view.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and sample size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data is stored in BIN format, which may require specialized tools for access and analysis.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Experimental data from a rat hindlimb suspension model, with chronic biotelemetry and regular imaging/measurement intervals.

Time Range

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Freshness

Last updated 2026-03 13 20:10:09.107493; freshness should be verified.

Geography

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